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Medical Preparation
- Write a medical ID card with your blood type, allergies, and current medications — in both English and Spanish
- Get your blood type tested if you don't know it
- Obtain a translated prescription summary for any regular medication (brand name and generic/Spanish name)
- Identify your nearest private hospital and save the address and phone number
- Check whether your nearest hospital is JCI-accredited or internationally recognised
- Save your health insurance policy number and emergency line as a phone contact
- Know your insurer's pre-authorisation requirements before treatment
- Register with a local doctor before an emergency arises
- Keep a physical copy of your insurance card and medical ID in your wallet
- Save ExpatEmergency's hotline number — call us first in any medical situation to translate with your doctor in real time
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Document Backup
- Photocopy your passport (photo page and any visas) — colour, both sides
- Photocopy your visa or residency card
- Photocopy your driving licence (front and back)
- Scan or photograph your health insurance card and policy documents
- Photograph all bank cards (front and back) and note your bank's international lost/stolen number
- Store a digital copy of all documents in an encrypted cloud folder (Google Drive or iCloud with 2FA)
- Email a copy of all documents to a trusted person at home
- Keep a laminated physical copy of your passport photo page in a separate bag from your actual passport
- Write down your home country embassy address and phone number for your country of residence
- Note your insurance claim number and the exact steps to file a claim abroad
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Family Communication Plan
- Set a regular check-in schedule with family at home (weekly minimum, daily when travelling)
- Agree on a "no contact" threshold — how long before someone escalates concern (suggest 48 hours for weekly check-ins)
- Choose a single home-country coordinator who takes charge if something goes wrong
- Give your coordinator: your address abroad, local emergency numbers, your doctor's name, your insurer's number, and ExpatEmergency's hotline
- Establish a code word that means "I'm being coerced — send help"
- Share your location app with at least one trusted person (Google Maps, Find My, WhatsApp Live Location)
- Save local emergency numbers for your country: police, ambulance, fire
- Store a printed copy of this plan at home and leave one with your coordinator
- Review and update your plan every 6 months or when you move
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Home Emergency Protocol
- Locate and label your water main shutoff valve
- Locate and label your electrical breaker panel
- Know where the gas shutoff is and how to turn it off
- Save your landlord's number and a backup emergency contact for the property
- Save your local plumber, electrician, and locksmith numbers — ask neighbours for vetted recommendations
- Save your electricity provider's outage/fault line number
- Know your address in Spanish (including cross streets or GPS coordinates) for emergency services
- Keep a torch, basic first aid kit, and bottled water in an accessible location
- Know your building's fire escape route and assembly point
- Save ExpatEmergency's number — we translate directly with tradespeople, landlords, and emergency services
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Daily Safety Habits
- Only use app-based taxis (Uber, InDriver, Cabify) — avoid flagging down street taxis
- Share your ride route with a contact before getting in
- Keep your phone in your pocket or bag in public — avoid using it on the street unnecessarily
- Leave expensive jewellery and watches at home when going out
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres during business hours — never at night or isolated locations
- Know the "express kidnapping" warning signs: being followed, approached by strangers asking for directions while another closes in
- If robbed: do not resist. Hand over the item. Your safety is worth more than any possession.
- Join your neighbourhood's local WhatsApp security group
- Know your nearest police station address
- Programme ExpatEmergency's hotline into your phone — if you're stopped by police and can't communicate, call us immediately
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Numbers to Save in Your Phone Right Now
- ExpatEmergency hotline (your 24/7 lifeline — received with your membership)
- Local police emergency number
- Local ambulance / Cruz Roja number
- Nearest private hospital direct line
- Your doctor's direct number
- Your health insurer's 24/7 emergency line
- Your home country embassy or consulate
- Your bank's international lost/stolen card line
- Your landlord
- One trusted local friend or neighbour
- Your home-country coordinator
One Number Covers Every Emergency on This List
When something goes wrong abroad, call ExpatEmergency. We translate directly with doctors, police, lawyers, and tradespeople — in real time, on speaker, 24/7.
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